Raquel Willis, an award-winning author, activist, and media strategist, shares her journey from growing up in a traditional Southern family to becoming a leading voice in the gender liberation movement. Willis candidly discusses her personal experiences with coming out, losing her father, and finding her authentic self, which led her to a career in journalism and activism. She emphasizes the importance of creating inclusive workplaces that support employees, especially those with diverse identities, and the need for organizations to go beyond superficial diversity efforts. She continues to share her powerful message of self-determination and collective liberation in her memoir, "The Risk It Takes to Bloom," and her podcast "Afterlives" on the iHeart Media Outspoken Network. "Diversity Beyond the Checkbox" is presented by The Diversity Movement and hosted by Inc 200 Female Founders award winner, Jackie Ferguson.  Check out exclusive bonus content on BeyondtheCheckbox.com! This show is proud to be a part of The Living Corporate Network and to be produced by Earfluence.